TIAX Awarded Contract by U.S. Department of Defense To Develop Suspension System for Vehicles.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 8, 2004

TIAX, a leading collaborative product and technology development firm, today announced it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a propulsion and suspension system for the Army's Mongrel test vehicle. The Phase II, $730,000 contract was awarded to TIAX through the U.S. Department of Defense's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

The goal of the project is to develop enhanced propulsion and suspension systems for military ground wheeled vehicles. Specifically, TIAX will be developing, fabricating, and assembling complete propulsion and suspension corner assemblies for the 4-wheel drive Mongrel, which is the Army's technology demonstration vehicle that is roughly the size of a standard pickup truck.

"Our objective is to help ensure that the transport of our military personnel and equipment takes place as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible," said Boyd Bucher, project manager for TIAX. "We look forward to working with the United States military on this project."

A team of TIAX experts will specify and order in-wheel electric motors, planetary gear hubs, brake components, and two state-of-the-art suspension systems. These components will be integrated onto a swing arm design that is common to all four corners of the vehicle. This corner commonality is a design goal that is being driven by the Army's desire to simplify its supply-line logistics for maintaining vehicles in the field.

"For this project we will draw on the significant expertise we have garnered over years of work in the areas of both automotive systems development and military operations," said Bob Wilson, Managing Director in the Products Group at TIAX. "The improved propulsion and suspension system will result in a more efficient and safe vehicle overall and will assist the Army in managing and maintaining its field vehicles."

In 2003 TIAX was awarded 13 contracts under the SBIR program. The SBIR program was established in 1982 to provide increased opportunities for small businesses to meet federal research and development needs, increase employment, foster and encourage participation in technological innovation by socially and economically disadvantaged persons, and increase private-sector commercialization of innovations derived from federal research and development.

About TIAX LLC 

TIAX LLC (www.tiaxllc.com) is a leading collaborative product and technology development firm that accelerates innovation to help its clients create an impact in the market--and in people's lives. We integrate business, industry, and hands-on technology expertise to transform ideas into products and problems into solutions. Formed out of Arthur D. Little's Technology & Innovation business, TIAX builds on more than a century of breakthrough innovation and client success using collaborative R&D. TIAX was selected as a Technology Pioneer 2003 by the World Economic forum and is ISO 9001 certified with more than 50 research and development laboratories.